London Calling: The Globalization of the NFL

Let me begin by saying why I think the NFL would want to migrate towards London, money. I can't even wrap my mind around the idea of the NFL moving overseas. The game isn't respected there like it is in the states. We love football--it's something our country thrives on in the sports world. It doesn't even make senese to why the NFL would want to expand over there minus the fact the it would bring in revenue. However, we need to bring up the question, how much revenue? Is it worth all the hassle, no way. The NFL has more than enough support here in the states. Some say the superbowl this weekend is going to be the best match up to date. (Go Broncos!)The NFL is alive and well here in the states just fine. I may sound exclusive but it's the reality of the situation.

Seperate from my opinion, the NFL may be leaning towards expanding its operations outside of the United States because it's a bussiness and will bring in money to both the US, London and possibliy surrounding areas near the city of London. A move like this can also create a more inclusive local community and strengthen the relationship between the US and Europeans perhaps. Some of the driving sources behind this potentially dramatic move is that London is an internationally renowned city with the great, Wembley stadium. With advantages come disadvantages. Some barriers of the NFL moving to London is the concern surrounding the amount of support they might get or lack of. The cost of traveling a handful times a year to a football game for many doesn't sound promising. Although Wembley stadium is perfect for events as history has shown us, fans selling out this stadium for a NFL game is not likely. Not only does the move to London have barriers surrounding the sport but it also seems to put athletes at a disadvantage for the most part. The amount of traveling that will be done  has the side effect of jet-lag and creates conflicts with game schedules. It seems to cause more of a headache implementing this plan than it would be rewarding.

After looking at both ends of the spectrum, the only good thing of moving NFL to London would be the amount of revenue it would bring in and the inclusiveness it would create between the US and Europe. It sounds like an okay idea and I'm all for bringing countries together, I just don't see the NFL being successful as we'd like in London. Like Barnwell said, "The reality is that making all these changes would create more problems than a London team is probably worth" (4).

References:
London Calling by Barnwell